The RICS today announced that three of our projects have been shortlisted for the inaugural Social Impact Awards.
This new award format is the only nationally recognised awards programme that delves deep into the impact the built environment has on communities we work in. It seeks to recognise the built environment’s positive and transformational contribution to society.
Our three projects have been shortlisted across four of the seven categories for the South East Region. If they are successful, they will go forward to the National Awards later in the year.
Appleton Lodge is a specialist care home developed for Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford that has been shortlisted in both the Residential and Healthcare categories. This spacious and well-designed building offers 15 apartments with en-suite facilities and offers residents differing levels of care in a home from home environment. The scheme had the great honour of being opened by Her Majesty the Queen in November.
Margate Caves is shortlisted in the Heritage and Leisure categories and is an excellent example of true community engagement and power. The scheme sees the re-opening of the long-closed cave system located in Cliftonville with the introduction of a Visitors and Community Centre to provide safe access down as well as a café and an interpretation space. The Friends of Margate Caves championed the development and raised the necessary funds to facilitate the build.
41 Central Parade has been shortlisted in the Residential category. This luxury development offers 14 apartments for private sale and has regenerated a disused and dilapidated site in a prominent area of Herne Bay. The site has generated previously unseen values for housing and is part of a wider action plan to revive the area.
Paul Gannaway, Director, said “To have three projects shortlisted is fantastic, but to have two of them shortlisted in multiple categories is a testament to the impact these projects have had on their respective areas.”
We will find out if we have been successful in winning at the black tie gala dinner to be held on 11th June in Southampton. Fingers crossed!
